McLaren has revealed its latest supercar creation, the GTS. A replacement for the company’s GT that was released in 2019, the new lightweight mid-engine GTS model weighs in at 1520kg (10kg lighter than the GT) and boasts a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 producing 467kW (11kW more than the GT). Performance figures are predictably excellent, with 100km/h reached in 3.2 seconds, 200km/h reached in 8.9 seconds, and top speed peaking at 326km/h. Power is sent through a seven-speed SSG transmission to the rear wheels.
McLaren said the SSG transmission provides seamless and rapid shifts in Comfort mode – which is the start-up default mode – but the driver can choose form two further driving modes – Sport and Track. Manual control of gearshifts is possible using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in any of the drive modes.
The GTS is equipped with 390mm carbon ceramic brake discs at the front and 380mm discs at the rear. There are lightweight six-piston aluminium calipers up front with four-piston calipers at the rear. Wheels are fitted with Pirelli P ZEROs.
Continuously variable, twin-valve hydraulic dampers are a part of the lightweight, aluminium double-wishbone suspension. Featuring McLaren’s adaptive damper technology – Proactive Damper Control – suspension characteristics alter between the three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Track. Underbody ground clearance of 110mm can be increased to 130mm using a vehicle lift function.
There’s a 420-litre cargo area accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glass tailgate and a further 150-litre storage space is up front within the nose of the car.
Built on McLaren’s carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the GTS is a beautiful-looking machine. There are visual changes over the GT, plus features such as GTS badging, and options such as the Stealth Badge Pack option. Visual carbon fibre options include an underbody carbon pack, which encompasses the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper lower and diffuser. Exterior details such as the front air intake blades, the rear fender air intakes and mirror caps can also be finished in carbon fibre. The standard composite roof is made from recycled carbon fibre.
Inside the cabin, which is available with a choice of interior trim schemes, there’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, and a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. Satellite navigation, real-time traffic information, Bluetooth connectivity and media streaming, plus DAB radio reception, are standard. A Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is available.
New paint options are available too, as is ambient lighting, and a glass panoramic roof with an electrochromic glazed panel, which replaces the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2024)
7 February 2024